Whitehorse, Yukon – Jonas J. Smith, the Conservative Party of Canada’s candidate for the Yukon in this year’s federal election, surpassed his campaign team’s fundraising goal with a total over $41,500 raised since he became his party’s official candidate on September 20.

The campaign aimed to raise $20,000 in the final quarter of 2018 and more than doubled their goal with donations from Yukoners across the territory. Federal legislation does not permit businesses or other group donations to federal political parties; only allowing for contributions from individuals.

“We are honoured by the show of support by Yukoners for my candidacy as we embark on this election year,” says Smith. “When people from across the territory contribute their own hard-earned money, it truly demonstrates Yukoners’ wishes for a change in our territory’s federal representation in Ottawa and a return to a Conservative Party government.”

Donations ranged from less than $50 to the maximum allowable annual contribution of $1,575, with well over half of the donations coming from individuals employed by the Yukon’s mining industry; including a significant portion from Klondike region placer miners.

“My campaign team and I extend our sincere appreciation to all Yukoners for their support, no matter how they are able to express it,” continues Smith. “From financial donations or accompanying me as I am out on door steps to words of encouragement at the grocery store or on social media, I am galvanized to work my very hardest to stand up for Yukoners in Ottawa as opposed to merely relaying Ottawa’s interests in the Yukon.”

Smith has been canvassing in Whitehorse and visiting Yukon communities, and will continue his outreach over the next weeks and months. The43rd Canadian federal electionis scheduled to take place on or before October 21, 2019. This date is determined by the fixed-date procedures in the Canada Elections Act, however the Governor General of Canada may issue the writs of election at an earlier date.

To learn more about Jonas and his vision for the territory or to reach out to him, please visit www.yukoncpc.ca or find him on Facebook at /jonasjsmithyukon.